ArtNet Configuration
3 min readProtocols
Understand Art-Net, configure CueSync's Art-Net output, assign universes, and verify your DMX output.
What Is Art-Net?
Art-Net is a protocol for transmitting DMX512 lighting data over standard Ethernet networks. It allows CueSync to control DMX fixtures, dimmers, moving heads, and lighting consoles without a physical DMX cable — just Ethernet.
CueSync's Art-Net DMX-over-IP output needs no extra hardware on the Mac side. You need an Art-Net node (Ethernet-to-DMX adapter) to drive physical DMX fixtures, or a console with built-in Art-Net input.
Network Setup
- Connect your Mac and Art-Net devices to the same Ethernet switch.
- Assign your Mac a static IP in the Art-Net address range, typically
2.x.x.xor10.x.x.x(Art-Net convention). - Ensure no firewall blocks UDP port 6454 (Art-Net's default port).
Tip: Art-Net works on Wi-Fi, but Ethernet is strongly recommended. Wi-Fi adds variable latency and risks dropped packets on stage.
Configuring CueSync
- Choose Output → Add Output… (or open Network → Outputs and click +).
- Pick Art-Net (DMX).
- Configure the following, then save — the output connects at once:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Host / IP Address | Art-Net node or console IP (every packet goes here) |
| Port | 6454 (the Art-Net default) |
| Bind Interface | Which adapter the packets leave from — pin it when the Mac has Wi-Fi and a lighting network |
| Default Port-Address | 0–32767; blank means 0. Type the flat Port-Address (Net × 256 + Sub-Net × 16 + Universe): a node set to Net 1, Sub-Net 0, Universe 3 is Port-Address 259 |
CueSync holds the levels of every universe it has addressed, so a held look stays on the node.
Planning Your Universes
CueSync does not patch fixtures: you assign fixtures to universes and addresses on your console or node, and CueSync's DMX output carries the channel levels. It supports multiple simultaneous Art-Net universes (unlimited in every edition). One output is one destination node, and an action or Look names its own Port-Address, so one output can drive several universes. Each universe carries its own 512 channels. A typical split:
| Port-Address | DMX Channels | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1–512 | Main stage wash |
| 1 | 1–512 | Moving heads |
| 2 | 1–512 | LED bars / strobes |
| 3 | 1–512 | Effects / haze |
Verifying Output
Add a Manual-trigger cue with an Art-Net action (a channel and a value of 255), test-fire it from the Cues screen, and watch the fixture or node. Test Connection in the output editor checks reachability, and the Network screen's Monitor tab logs connection events and latency. To find which universe a cable carries, switch on Settings → Advanced → Show the Diagnostics screen, restart CueSync, and use Identify DMX Universes. A green output proves CueSync sent the packet — confirm at the fixture.
Performance Notes
- Art-Net output adds minimal CPU load; fades ramp smoothly
- Use unicast (specific IP) over broadcast in large networks to reduce traffic
- A second node is a second output — verify each node is configured to receive different universes
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